Pedestrian fatally hit by 18-wheeler

NEW HANOVER COUNTY — A pedestrian is dead after being hit by an 18-wheeler.

The accident happened around 3:30 Wednesday morning just before the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

Investigators say the tractor trailer was heading into Wilmington on Highway 74 when a man ran out in front of the truck.

Highway patrol says the driver of the 18-wheeler will not be charged because he was not at fault.

Highway Patrol Sgt. J.O. Holmes said, “It was a very dark, unlighted area of US 74. The pedestrian was wearing a dark-colored shirt and dark-colored jeans and for whatever reason stepped directly into the path of the vehicle.”

Troopers say the pedestrian was a black male in his early fifties.

They think they have a positive ID on the victim but have not yet contacted his family members.